Chippewa Valley Democrats Sweep State Races

In addition to Rebecca Cooke's victory in the Third Congressional District, Democratic candidates for the State Legislature in the Chippewa Valley also walked away from Tuesday's election victorious.

The 31st State Senate District covers the heart of the Chippewa Valley, including the Cities of Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie. The Senate District is comprised of the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd State Assembly Districts.

Coming into Tuesday's election, Democratic State Senator Jeff Smith held the 31st Senate District. Democratic State Representative Jodi Emerson held the 91st Assembly District covering the east side of Eau Claire as well as Augusta and Cadott. Democratic State Representative Christian Phelps held the 93rd Assembly District covering the west side of Eau Claire to south of Menomonie. The 92nd Assembly District covering Chippewa Falls and Menomonie was represented by Republican State Representative Clint Moses.

State Senator Smith and State Representatives Emerson and Phelps all retained their seats comfortably on Tuesday, each winning by more than 10 percentage points. Republican State Representative Clint Moses, however, was defeated by Democratic challenger Jeremiah Fredrickson in the 92nd Assembly District by a little less than 2,000 votes.

Fredrickson's victory means all three State Assembly Districts included in the 31st State Senate District are now under Democratic control. In a statement after declaring victory, Fredrickson said "Tonight, the voters of the 92nd Assembly District sent a clear message: it's time for new leadership that puts our families, our farms, small businesses, and Wisconsin first."

Flipping the 92nd Assembly District was also a significant step in pursuit of a Democratic trifecta in the State Legislature, as the race was not viewed as one of the more favorable battlegrounds for Democrats. In total, Democrats flipped eight seats in the State Assembly to take a 54-45 majority. Combined with their new majority in the State Senate and David Crowley's victory in the race for Governor, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin will control both chambers of the Legislature and the Governor's Office for the first time since 2010.